ASTM D1185-98a(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Static compression and bending tests provide data that are used to estimate stiffness, strength, and safe working loads for pallets under specified load and support conditions. These estimates provide a basis for designing pallets and comparing the performance between pallets of different designs and constructions.
Dynamic tests provide data which are used to estimate the physical durability and functionality of a pallet in specified material handling and shipping environments. These estimates provide a basis for designing single or multiple-use pallets.
Other tests may be performed to assess the properties of specific materials (Test Methods D 2395, D 4442, D 4444, and T 208 OM) and connecting devices (Test Methods D 1761, F 680, Test Method F 1575, and Specification F 1667), design features, use applications, and other variables encountered.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the performance of pallets and related structures, functioning as skids, bases, platforms, and bins in materials handling and shipping. Their use facilitates the protection of both packaged and unpackaged products during storage and transportation. The test methods include measurements of the relative resistance of pallets and related structures to deformations, damages, and structural failures which detrimentally affect the functionality of the unit load.
1.2 These test methods include conditioning requirements, static stiffness and strength tests, and dynamic tests of structural reliability. These test methods are used to evaluate the relative performance of new, used, or reconditioned general and special-purpose pallets fabricated from various materials including solid wood, wood composites, fiberboard, honeycomb, plastics, or metal, or to compare the performance of such pallets and related structures to specified performance criteria. Recommended criteria for all tests specified in this standard are listed in Appendix X2.
1.2.1 These test methods are also used to classify pallets as single- or multiple-use pallets and to determine the safe working loads for pallets under specified load and support conditions.
1.3 Nonmandatory Preliminary Tests—Because each pallet may be used under several different conditions of load and support, pallet-design considerations and safe working-load estimates shall be based on that condition under which the pallet offers least resistance or is most severely stressed.
1.3.1 Preliminary, short-duration static tests up to the ultimate (see 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) shall be performed on previously non-tested pallets to determine which load and support conditions influence most severely the pallet load-carrying capacity and safe working loads.
1.3.2 During the development of prototypes leading to designs that will be subject to acceptance testing, as described in 1.4, these preliminary tests shall include the free-fall drop tests in accordance with 9.1.
1.4 Mandatory Acceptance Tests:
1.4.1 General-Purpose Pallets—When the objective of the test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a general-purpose pallet as a single- or multiple-use pallet, all tests described in these test methods shall be performed in the order specified. The same pallet shall be used for all static and dynamic tests, where feasible.
1.4.2 Special-Purpose Pallets—When the objective of the test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a special-purpose pallet, as a single- or multiple-use pallet, only those tests representing the intended condition of use shall be performed. Certain special–purpose pallet designs, because of the pallet size, its shape, or the material of fabrication, or combinations thereof, cannot be reliably tested using this methodology. When available, alternative test methods should be used.
1.4.3 Field Testing—It is recommended that pallet designs passing these acceptance tests be further subjected to field testing in the distribution environment.
1.5...
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D1185 − 98a (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Methods for
Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials
Handling and Shipping
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1185; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 1.3.2 During the development of prototypes leading to
designs that will be subject to acceptance testing, as described
1.1 Thesetestmethodscovertheperformanceofpalletsand
in 1.4, these preliminary tests shall include the free-fall drop
related structures, functioning as skids, bases, platforms, and
tests in accordance with 9.1.
bins in materials handling and shipping. Their use facilitates
the protection of both packaged and unpackaged products
1.4 Mandatory Acceptance Tests :
during storage and transportation. The test methods include
1.4.1 General-Purpose Pallets—When the objective of the
measurements of the relative resistance of pallets and related
test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a
structures to deformations, damages, and structural failures
general-purpose pallet as a single- or multiple-use pallet, all
which detrimentally affect the functionality of the unit load.
tests described in these test methods shall be performed in the
1.2 These test methods include conditioning requirements,
order specified. The same pallet shall be used for all static and
static stiffness and strength tests, and dynamic tests of struc-
dynamic tests, where feasible.
tural reliability. These test methods are used to evaluate the
1.4.2 Special-Purpose Pallets—When the objective of the
relative performance of new, used, or reconditioned general
test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a
and special-purpose pallets fabricated from various materials
special-purpose pallet, as a single- or multiple-use pallet, only
including solid wood, wood composites, fiberboard,
those tests representing the intended condition of use shall be
honeycomb, plastics, or metal, or to compare the performance
performed. Certain special–purpose pallet designs, because of
of such pallets and related structures to specified performance
the pallet size, its shape, or the material of fabrication, or
criteria. Recommended criteria for all tests specified in this
combinations thereof, cannot be reliably tested using this
standard are listed in Appendix X2.
methodology. When available, alternative test methods should
1.2.1 These test methods are also used to classify pallets as
be used.
single- or multiple-use pallets and to determine the safe
working loads for pallets under specified load and support
1.4.3 Field Testing— It is recommended that pallet designs
conditions.
passing these acceptance tests be further subjected to field
testing in the distribution environment.
1.3 Nonmandatory Preliminary Tests —Because each pallet
may be used under several different conditions of load and
1.5 Simulation of the Distribution Environment—These test
support, pallet-design considerations and safe working-load
methods are not intended to lead to exact simulations of pallet
estimates shall be based on that condition under which the
performance in the distribution environment. These test meth-
pallet offers least resistance or is most severely stressed.
ods are designed to relate to practice with the added provision
1.3.1 Preliminary, short-duration static tests up to the ulti-
that they are repeatable, do not depend on exceptional skills,
mate (see 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) shall be performed on previously
and are safe to conduct without elaborate precautions.The test
non-tested pallets to determine which load and support condi-
findings are not expected to lead to unalterable conclusions.
tions influence most severely the pallet load-carrying capacity
Testing in the distribution environment may be necessary to
and safe working loads.
verify the results obtained from laboratory tests.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warnings
approved in 1951. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D1185–98a(2003).
DOI: 10.1520/D1185-98AR09. are given in 9.5.3.5.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1185 − 98a (2009)
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.4 preliminary safe working load—anestimateofthesafe
2 working load of a pallet not yet confirmed by all of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
appropriate tests specified in these test methods.
D642Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance
3.1.5 safe working load—The maximum load, determined
of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
fromtests,thatapalletcansupportwithoutfailureinhandling,
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
storage, and distribution including an appropriate allowance
ments
for variations in performance as well as necessary safety
D999Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
factors.
tainers
D1505Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
3.1.6 special-purpose pallets—pallets designed and con-
Gradient Technique
structed to support a specified load using certain handling
D1761Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood
devices.
D2395TestMethodsforDensityandSpecificGravity(Rela-
4. Significance and Use
tive Density) of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
D4003Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
4.1 Static compression and bending tests provide data that
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
are used to estimate stiffness, strength, and safe working loads
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
for pallets under specified load and support conditions. These
Packaging Components for Testing
estimates provide a basis for designing pallets and comparing
D4442Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
the performance between pallets of different designs and
ment of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
constructions.
D4444Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and
4.2 Dynamic tests provide data which are used to estimate
Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
the physical durability and functionality of a pallet in specified
D4728Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Ship-
material handling and shipping environments. These estimates
ping Containers
provide a basis for designing single or multiple-use pallets.
F680Test Methods for Nails
4.3 Other tests may be performed to assess the properties of
F1575Test Method for Determining BendingYield Moment
specificmaterials(TestMethodsD2395,D4442,D4444,andT
of Nails
208 OM) and connecting devices (Test Methods D1761, F680,
F1667SpecificationforDrivenFasteners:Nails,Spikes,and
TestMethodF1575,andSpecificationF1667),designfeatures,
Staples
use applications, and other variables encountered.
2.2 ASME Standard:
MH 1Pallets, Slipsheets, and Other Bases for Unit Loads
5. Materials
2.3 ISO Standard:
5.1 These test methods are pertinent to pallets constructed
ISO 445Pallets for Material Handling– Vocabulary
of materials listed in Table 1.
2.4 TAPPI Standard:
6. Sampling
TAPPI T 208 OM - 89Moisture in Wood, Pulp, Paper and
6.1 Sampling shall provide for the selection of representa-
Paper Board by Tolvene Distillation
tivespecimens.Thenumberoftestreplicationsrequiredvaries.
At least three replications per pallet design shall be tested.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
7. Conditioning
3.1.1 The following standards are applicable, with Termi-
7.1 Some pallets are constructed of materials whose prop-
nology D996, to be considered the governing standard in the
ertiesareaffectedbychangesintemperature,relativehumidity,
case of a dispute: Terminology D996, MH 1, and ISO 445.
and environmental moisture conditions prior to and during use
3.1.2 datum load—a preload level applied to the specimen
inthedistributionenvironment.Priortotest,thesepalletsshall
to reduce test variables as influenced by the test setup during
be conditioned as described in Table 1.
the initial stage of testing. Test deformations shall be assumed
7.2 Where conditioning influences pallet performance, the
to be zero at this preload level.
specifiedtest-specimenenvironmentshallexistduringthetime
3.1.3 general-purpose pallets—pallets designed and con-
of testing. If the test environment cannot be maintained at the
structed to support a wide range of loads using a variety of
required conditioning level, the tests shall be performed
applicable handling devices.
immediately after the pallet has been removed from the
conditioning environment. Immediately after each individual
test, specimens subjected to Environments A or B shall be
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
returned to the conditioning environment for a minimum of 1
contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
h prior to the next test. For additional details concerning
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
conditioning procedures, see Practice D4332.
the ASTM website.
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
7.3 For wood or wood-base materials, the moisture content
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
of selected components shall be observed and recorded at the
Available from TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org. beginning of the test (see Test Methods D4442 and D4444).
D1185 − 98a (2009)
TABLE 1 Conditioning and Testing Environments
Minimum
Conditioning Temperature, Relative
Conditioning Pallet Material
Environment °C Humidity, %
Time, h
A,B
no conditioning unprocessed sawn wood assembled with metal connectors
metals
required
C B
A +60±2 . 24 plastics
B –25 ± 3 . .
C 25±3 90±5 48 paper-based materials, wood assembled with adhesives, and processed
D 20±5 . 24 wood (that is, plywood, strandboard, particle board, and other wood based
D
materials).
A
The moisture content of unprocessed sawn wood components shall represent the maximum that would occur during the use of the pallet.
B
Special purpose pallets may be conditioned to temperatures reflecting anticipated use conditions.
C
45°C shall be the temperature used for 8.4, Pallet Bending Tests.
D
Environment D shall be used for pallets made of these materials when it is expected that the pallets may be exposed to water in the distribution environment.
7.4 Pallets fabricated of several different materials, such as
composites, shall be conditioned to the extremes applicable to
the materials in the structure.
STATIC TESTS
8. Summary of Test Method
8.1 Static tests are performed to determine the strength and
stiffness of the pallet under specified load and support condi-
tions. For all static tests described in 8.3 – 8.5, the test load
appliedshallincludethemassofallloadapplicatorssupported
bythepallet.TheperformancecriteriainX2.1ofAppendixX2
maybeusedtodeterminethesafeworkingloadofapallet(see
1.2.1 and 1.4).
8.2 Apparatus:
FIG. 1 Load and Support Conditions and Locations of Deflection
8.2.1 Calibrated Compression Testing Machine, with suffi-
Measurements for Compression Tests of Pallet Deck Spacers or
cient load capacity to structurally fail the pallet and a suffi-
Supports
ciently large bed to support the pallet and the pallet supports
(see 8.3.2).
8.2.2 Floating Head, used for application of rigid loads.
period; and (3) upon unloading, at the datum load (see 8.3.2),
8.2.3 Fixed Head, used for supporting load at prescribed
every 5 min until successive readings are practically identical
angles (see 8.4.1).
(limited to a maximum period of 1 h).
8.2.4 “Dead Weights” simulate the desired load, used in-
8.3.1.1 When, due to test procedure, the deflections at
stead of a testing machine. These dead weights shall conform
LocationsA, B, C, and D are not identical, the average of the
to the description in 8.4.1.
fourobservationsshallbeusedasthetestmeasure(seeFig.1).
8.2.5 Deformations shall be monitored and recorded using
8.3.2 Test Procedure:
micrometer dial gages or other suitable measuring devices,
8.3.2.1 Place the pallet in a normal position on a flat, hard,
such as calibrated sensors, capable of measuring deformation
rigid, and horizontal surface. Place a rigid load applicator of
or deflection of 0.025 mm (0.001 in.).
sufficientsizetooverlapthepalletedgesandends,asshownin
8.2.6 Calibration and Standardization of the Compression
Fig. 1.
Test Apparatus—The accuracy of the compression testing
8.3.2.2 Graduallyapplythetestloadatauniformrateof0.5
device shall be verified using procedures described in Test
60.1in./minfrom0to0.10 R,where Risthepreliminarysafe
Method D642.
working load based on the preliminary test or on that deter-
8.3 Compression Tests on Pallet Deck Spacers or mined from tests to failure. This value of 0.10 R shall be the
Supports—The purpose of this test is to determine the resis- datum load for subsequent deflection measurements (see Note
tance to compression of deck spacers (stringers, blocks, and 1). Apply the full test load of 1.1· M·R, where M is the
posts) of pallets. maximum number of pallet loads expected in a stack during
8.3.1 Deformation Measurements—When tested in accor- use.The datum as well as the full test loads shall be applied in
dance with the procedure specified in 8.3.2, record the change not less than 1 min or more than 5 min. Maintain the full test
in the height, y, at LocationsA, B, C, and D, as shown in Fig. load for a period of at least 24 h. Reduce the test load to the
1, relative to the ground (or test frame), (1) at the datum load datumloadforthenecessaryperiod(see8.3.1).Takedeflection
(see8.3.2and3.1);(2)atthebeginningandendofthefull-load measurements at A, B, C, and D (see Fig. 1).
D1185 − 98a (2009)
NOTE 1—For plastic, corrugated paperboard, or honeycomb pallets,
bending tests. Where various loads will be placed on pa
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.